"Albergue Del Peregrino": A Pilgrim's Accommodation In Northern Spain

"Albergue Del Peregrino": A Pilgrim's Accommodation In Northern Spain
Jana
Jana 
Published
| 4 min read

Camino de Santiago, or in English, Saint James Way, is surely one of the most famous hiking trails in Europe. If you want to fully experience the real life of a pilgrim, you should not only aim to hike a bit more than one or two of its numerous parts, but you should also try life in the pilgrim’s lodging houses that are abundant mainly along the Spanish part of the trail. To get a clearer image of how these houses work, I am offering you a brief overview of the ones that you may meet on the North Way of the trail that goes from the town called Irun through the city of San Sebastian to Bilbao.

Are you a pilgrim? Sleep for free!

"albergue del peregrino": a pilgrim's accommodation in northern spain | are you a pilgrim? sleep for free!

In Spanish, these pilgrim’s houses are called “albergues” and are run by volunteers or religious associations of the cities or villages that you pass on the road. In every main point of the trail itinerary there is usually one such place where you can get some rest. In most cases, these albergues are school or gym buildings that are empty during the summertime. So, they are an ideal place to provide accommodation during the seasonal influx of pilgrims. These lodging houses are usually equipped with good beds, clean sheets, showers and toilets. The only think you have to bring yourself is a sleeping bag. Often, they have also a dryer to dry your hand-washed clothes. Sometimes, there is also a kitchen with a fridge, where you can store your food or cook a hot dinner. After a day-long hike you’ll really appreciate this option. Sometimes, there is also a common area where you can sit, talk, and share your experiences with other pilgrims.

Most of the albergues rely on donation only, which indicates that you pay for the accommodation if you want to. It depends only on you how much money you’ll give. It seems surely an attractive offer, but to stay in these houses there are some conditions to fulfil. First of all, you’ll need your Pilgrim’s Pass. This is a small paper book with your name, ID card number, and signature that proves that you are really a pilgrim and not only a tourist visiting the city. If you’re just starting your journey and you haven’t got yet this document, the albergue will provide you with it so you can sleep there. Also, the albergues have opening hours and curfews. Usually, they open at 2:30 pm when pilgrims arrive at the destination and they have a curfew of 10 pm. You have to leave the house early in the morning - around 8 am as the volunteers have to clean up the space and prepare it for the following pilgrims. Quite strict rules, one could say, but I ensure you that if you want to experience the real life of a pilgrim, you have to try it at least once. In fact, there is a really nice and friendly atmosphere – every evening, you meet the people that you’ve met on the road. You can share your food and drink with them as well as exchange your experiences from the day. There are people of all origins and ages, and they’re all happy to walk the pilgrim’s house. After a few days of the journey, you’ll become so familiar with them that you will be very sad to leave them at the end of your itinerary and not to continue with them further. Frankly speaking, you won’t find such a nice familiar atmosphere at any other accommodation in the city….

Stayed at this property?

Albergue of Irun

"albergue del peregrino": a pilgrim's accommodation in northern spain | albergue of irun

Even if all the albergues are wonderful places, on the road to Bilbao there are two that have something special that needs to be mentioned. The first of these great albergues is in Irun, called Hospital de Peregrinos de Irun and is located at Lucas de Berroa 18. This lodging house occupies the first floor of an old city building and provides an extremely homely atmosphere. It is rather small, but the rooms can hold around 10 people each. Don’t worry, if you come late, the nice staff won’t leave you outside – they will always find some place for you to sleep here. There is also a tiny kitchen, where you’ll find a complimentary bottle of local red wine and an assorted plate of local pastries. If you’ve been walking all the day, you’ll really appreciate it. And, the kindness of the staff is even better. In the morning, there is a huge breakfast waiting for you in the common area – Spanish muffins (magdalenas), fresh bread, jam, biscuits as well as coffee and tea. Your morning can’t be better and you’ll feel great when you continue your hike.

Stayed at this property?

Sleep at the train station in Deba

"albergue del peregrino": a pilgrim's accommodation in northern spain | sleep at the train station in deba

The second great lodging house is the one that you’ll find in a small port called Deba. The lodging house is called “Albergue de Deba” and you can find it at Plaza de Arakistain, Estación del Ferrocarril. Unlike the others, the price of this one is fixed – one night costs 5 EUR (5.40 USD) and it is completely understandable as the albergue is extremely comfortable. The Albergue de Deba is in a reconstructed train station and it has two floors with plank-beds and wardrobes. Everything is new and clean, there are good showers with hot water and there is a washing machine too – if you need to wash your clothes this is the right time! In addition, the staff is really nice and will give you tips for what to do and to see in the surroundings, as well as provide you with further information about the next part of the hike. Ask yourself – how many times in your life you have the possibility to sleep in the train station in such a comfortable way? With its comfortable beds and cosy atmosphere, this albergue is a real must try!

Stayed at this property?

Pilgrim’s accommodation in northern Spain

Are you doing the Saint James Way hike through northern Spain? Then this article that will present you some pilgrim’s lodging houses along the way. You’ll learn how they work and which ones are the best.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hi, my name is Jana and I am a Czech girl currently living in Paris. Student of cinema and dance, I love to meet new people all over the world, to speak with them in different languages and to...Read more

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